2012 TOYOTA PRIUS C Owners Manual

25
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
Vehicle Proximity Notification System
When the gasoline engine is off while driving, a sound is produced to
warn pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles
in the surrounding area that the vehicle is approaching. The pitch of
the sound adjusts according to vehicle speed. When vehicle speed is
approximately 16 mph (25 km/h) or more, the warning system turns
off.
■ When stopped/during start off
The gasoline engine stops* when the vehicle is stopped. During
start-off, the electric motor (tra ction motor) drives the vehicle. At
slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine
is stopped* and the motor is used.
*: However, when the hybrid battery (traction battery) needs to be charged or while the engine is being warmed up, the gasoline
engine may not stop automatically. ( P. 26)
■During normal driving
The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor
(traction motor) charges the hybrid battery as necessary.
■ When accelerating sharply
The power of the hybrid battery (t raction battery) is added to that
of the gasoline engine via the electric motor (traction motor).
■ When braking (regenerative braking)
The electric motor (traction mo tor) charges the hybrid battery
(traction battery).

26 1-1. Hybrid system
■Regenerative braking
In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and
deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the
hybrid battery (traction battery).
●The accelerator pedal is released.
● The brake pedal is depressed with the shift lever in D or B.
■ EV drive indicator lamp
■ Conditions in which the g asoline engine may not stop
The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop
automatically in the following conditions:
● During gasoline engine warm-up
● During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging
● When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or
low
● When the heater is switched on
The EV drive indicator lamp comes on
when driving the vehicle using only the
electric motor (traction motor).
Displayed when “ECO Score” or the
basic display of “ECO Savings” is
selected. ( P. 189)

27
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■
Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)
●As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the
battery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if
the vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery will slowly dis-
charge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every
few months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid bat-
tery becomes fully discharged and you are unable to jump-start the vehi-
cle with the 12-volt battery, contact your Toyota dealer.
● If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid battery (traction battery) will not be
charged. Always put the shift lever in P when the vehicle is stopped.
When driving in heavy traffic, operate the vehicle with the shift lever in D
or B to avoid discharging the battery.
■ Charging the 12-volt battery
P. 477
■ After the 12-volt battery has di scharged or has been changed or
removed
The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is running on the hybrid
battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Toyota
dealer.

28 1-1. Hybrid system
■Sounds and vibrations specific to a hybrid vehicle
There may be no engine sounds or vibration even though the vehicle is able
to move. For safety, apply the parking brake and make sure to shift the shift
lever to P when parked.
The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is
operating and are not a malfunction:
●Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.
● Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) behind
the rear seats when the hybrid system starts or stops.
● Sounds from the hybrid system may be heard when the back door is
open.
● Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine
starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.
● Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.
● Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal
is depressed.
● Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.
● Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vent on the side of
the lower part of the rear left seat.
■ Vehicle Proximity Notification System
In the following cases, the Vehicle Proximity Notification System sound may
be difficult for pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehi-
cles in the surrounding area to hear:
●When there is a lot of noise in the vicinity
● When it is raining or during strong winds
● When in the area surrounding the rear of the vehicle, rather than in front
of the vehicle
■ Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal
Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and dis-
posal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

29
1
1-1. Hybrid system
Before driving
Hybrid system precautions
Take care when handling the hybrid system, as it contains a high
voltage system (about 520 V at maximum) as well as parts that
become extremely hot when the hybrid system is operating. Obey
the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
Caution label
Service plug
Air conditioning compressor
Electric motor (traction motor) Power control unit with DC/
DC converter
Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
High voltage cables (orange)

30 1-1. Hybrid system
Hybrid battery air vent There is an air intake vent on the
side of the lower part of the rear
left seat for the purpose of cool-
ing the hybrid battery (traction
battery). If the vent becomes
blocked, the hybrid battery may
overheat, leading to a reduction
in hybrid battery output.
Emergency shut off system When a certain level of impact is detected by the impact sensor, the
emergency shut off syst em blocks off the high voltage current and
stops the fuel pump to minimize t he risk of electrocution and fuel
leakage. If the emergency shut off system activates, your vehicle will
not restart. To restart the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.
Hybrid warning message
A message is automatically displayed when a malfunction occurs in
the hybrid system or an impr oper operation is attempted.
If a warning message is shown
on the multi-information display,
read the message and follow the
instructions. ( P. 441)

31
1-1. Hybrid system
1
Before driving
■
If a warning light comes on, a warn ing message is displayed, or the 12-
volt battery has been disconnected
The hybrid system may not start. In that case, try to start the system again. If
the “READY” indicator does not come on, contact your Toyota dealer.
■ Running out of fuel
When the vehicle has run out of fuel and the hybrid system cannot be
started, refuel the vehicle with at least enough gasoline to make the low fuel
level warning light ( P. 433) stop flashing. If there is only a small amount of
fuel, the hybrid system may not be able to start. (The minimum amount of
fuel to add to make the low fuel level warning light stop flashing is about 1.3
gal. [5.0 L, 1.1 Imp. gal.] when the vehicle is on a level surface. This value
may vary when the vehicle is on a slope.)
■ Electromagnetic waves
●High voltage parts and cables on the hybrid vehicles incorporate electro-
magnetic shielding, and therefore emit approximately the same amount
of electromagnetic waves as conventional gasoline powered vehicles or
home electronic appliances.
● Your vehicle may cause sound interference in some third party-produced
radio parts.
■ Hybrid battery (traction battery)
The hybrid battery (traction battery) has a limited service life. The lifespan of
the hybrid battery (traction battery) can change in accordance with driving
style and driving conditions.

32 1-1. Hybrid system
CAUTION
■High voltage and high temperature precautions
The vehicle has high voltage DC and AC systems as well as a 12-volt sys-
tem. DC and AC high voltage is very dangerous and can cause severe burns
and electric shock that may result in death or serious injury.
● Never touch, disassemble, remove or replace the high voltage parts,
cables or their connectors.
● The hybrid system will become hot after starting as the system uses high
voltage. Be careful of both the high voltage and the high temperature, and
always obey the caution labels attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service plug
access hole located under the rear
seat. The service plug is used only
when the vehicle is serviced and is sub-
ject to high voltage.